15 Designer Pieces Actually Worth The Money This Fall

Image Credit: MYTHERESA

At some point in every man’s sartorial journey, buying more clothes stops being the answer. Instead, it’s about buying better. Fewer pieces, more considered purchases and garments that do a lot more than simply display an expensive label.

Of course, not everything with a designer price tag deserves one. Plenty of costly clothes offer little beyond a famous name, but others, where the quality of the fabric, the cut and the attention to detail make a compelling case for spending more.

Autumn is arguably the best time to make these investments. Coats, knitwear, tailoring, boots and textured fabrics all come into their own, and the right pieces can form the backbone of your wardrobe for years.

With that in mind, we’ve been exploring Mytheresa’s latest menswear arrivals, looking for standout pieces from established luxury houses alongside some lesser-known names doing interesting things. From beautifully cut Italian tailoring to a cashmere shirt with actual gemstones, here are 15 designer pieces that make a strong case for the investment.

Zegna Layered Cashmere Blazer

Zegna has become one of the most compelling names in modern luxury menswear, largely because it understands that dressing well shouldn’t mean dressing uncomfortably. Its layered cashmere blazer perfectly embodies that philosophy.

Made in Italy from pure cashmere, the grey blazer features traditional notched lapels and patch pockets, but the clever part is the detachable zipped insert. It creates the layered appearance of a jacket worn over knitwear, without adding unnecessary bulk.

Remove it and you have a beautifully refined blazer that works just as well with tailored trousers as it does with dark denim. It’s expensive, certainly, but its versatility and thoughtful design make it the kind of piece you could find yourself wearing constantly through the colder months.

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God’s True Cashmere Nomad Plaid Cashmere Shirt With Moonstones

Some luxury purchases are about practicality. Others are about owning something genuinely special. This remarkable shirt from God’s True Cashmere falls firmly into the latter category.

The brand takes the humble checked shirt and transforms it into something altogether more indulgent. The Nomad is made in Italy from 100% cashmere, with a rich plaid pattern, classic collar and chest pockets. What really sets it apart, though, is the addition of genuine moonstones, adding a level of detail you simply won’t find on ordinary shirting.

It strikes an interesting balance between rugged Americana and unapologetic luxury. Wear it open over a plain T-shirt with dark jeans and suede boots, or buttoned up beneath a simple wool coat. The familiar workwear-inspired silhouette makes it surprisingly easy to style, while the fabric and detailing ensure it feels anything but ordinary.

For anyone who appreciates unusual craftsmanship and wants something that stands apart from conventional designer clothing, this is exactly the kind of piece that justifies splurging on something special.

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Tom Ford Houndstooth Wool, Silk And Linen Blazer

Few designers understand the transformative power of good tailoring as well as Tom Ford. His clothes are designed to make an impression, but the best pieces achieve it through cut, proportion and fabric rather than unnecessary embellishment.

This houndstooth blazer is a particularly good example. Crafted from a blend of wool, silk and linen, it has a rich, textured appearance that feels perfectly suited to autumn. The pattern adds visual interest without being overly loud, while the structured silhouette gives it the presence that makes even a straightforward outfit look considered.

The beauty of a jacket like this is that you don’t have to save it for formal occasions. Yes, it looks excellent with tailored wool trousers and a fine-gauge roll-neck, but it can just as easily sharpen up a pair of dark jeans and leather loafers.

It’s the sort of statement piece that earns its place by making everything else in your wardrobe look better.

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Saint Laurent Suede Jacket

Some pieces of clothing make men look instantly cooler, and a well-cut suede jacket is near the top of the list. Saint Laurent has built much of its menswear reputation on effortless, rock-inspired dressing.

Its suede jacket brings that attitude into a more refined setting. The appeal lies in the luxurious texture, clean silhouette and the way suede develops character with careful wear. It’s a garment that can feel both relaxed and sophisticated.

Pair it with black denim and Chelsea boots for a classic Saint Laurent-inspired look, or soften things with ecru trousers and a cashmere crew neck. Either approach works because the jacket provides enough visual interest without demanding much from the rest of the outfit.

You wouldn’t want to wear it in a downpour, but on crisp, dry autumn days, few pieces deliver the same impact.

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Brunello Cucinelli Suede Chelsea Boots

Brunello Cucinelli has spent decades perfecting a particular approach to luxury: exceptional materials, understated design and clothes that look better worn than displayed. Unsurprisingly, that philosophy translates beautifully to footwear.

These suede Chelsea boots offer a refined alternative to chunkier winter styles. The streamlined shape makes them smart enough for tailoring, while the suede uppers add texture and a more relaxed character. They work with almost everything, from brushed wool trousers to straight-leg jeans.

There’s a good argument for investing in footwear you genuinely love, particularly when it’s something as versatile as a Chelsea boot. Unlike more trend-driven shoes, the silhouette has remained relevant for generations. Look after the suede, rotate them with your other footwear and they’ll have every opportunity to become a dependable part of your wardrobe.

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Gucci Como Horsebit Leather Loafers

Not every worthwhile designer purchase has to be discreet. Sometimes a recognisable design is recognisable for a reason, and Gucci’s Horsebit loafers are a prime example.

The Italian house has been closely associated with the metal Horsebit detail since the 1950s, and the Como loafers offer another interpretation of that enduring design. The combination of polished leather and distinctive hardware balances traditional shoemaking with the personality that makes Gucci so appealing.

They’re also much more versatile than you might imagine. Wear them with a navy suit when you want something less formal than Oxfords, with pleated wool trousers for a contemporary take on smart dressing, or with straight-leg jeans and a knitted polo at the weekend.

Unlike much statement footwear, these have a design language that has stood the test of time. That’s a fairly convincing argument for spending a little more.

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Lisa Yang Lyle Double-Breasted Cashmere Cardigan

If you’re going to spend serious money on knitwear, cashmere is an obvious place to start. But there’s a world of difference between a basic cashmere jumper and something that’s been designed with a little more imagination.

Lisa Yang is a name worth knowing in this space. The brand specialises in contemporary cashmere clothing, combining luxurious yarns with clean, modern silhouettes. Its Lyle double-breasted cardigan clearly illustrates what makes the label interesting.

Rather than relying on the traditional button-through cardigan shape, the double-breasted construction gives it the presence of a knitted jacket. That makes it ideal for those occasions when a blazer feels unnecessarily formal, but an ordinary jumper doesn’t quite cut it.

Layer it over a simple T-shirt or fine-gauge knit, add tailored trousers and leather shoes, and you’ve got an easy outfit that feels far more sophisticated than the effort it takes.

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Eleventy Shearling-Lined Suede Jacket

One of the strongest arguments for buying premium outerwear is that it often does the heavy lifting in an outfit. When you’re wearing a beautiful jacket, the rest of your clothes can be almost embarrassingly simple.

Eleventy’s shearling-lined suede jacket is exactly that kind of piece. The suede and cosy shearling lining combine two of autumn and winter’s most desirable materials. It’s practical in colder conditions, luxurious to wear and rich in texture.

Unlike a lightweight suede jacket, a shearling-lined version can continue earning its keep as winter approaches. Wear it over a fine knit with dark trousers and suede boots, letting the contrast between the materials provide the interest.

It makes a strong case for choosing one exceptional winter jacket over several less inspiring alternatives, particularly if you favour understated clothes that don’t go out of fashion every six months.

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Agnona Wool And Cashmere Sweater

Many designer jumpers cost a small fortune because someone stitched an oversized logo across the chest. Agnona takes a rather different approach.

The Italian label has a long history in luxury textiles, and its wool and cashmere sweater lets the materials do the talking. The classic crew-neck silhouette, understated finish and fine-fibre blend make it exactly the sort of knitwear that slips effortlessly into an existing wardrobe.

Wear it beneath a navy blazer, with tailored trousers and loafers, or over a white T-shirt with dark denim. It doesn’t need complicated styling, which is precisely the point.

You can buy a plain jumper more cheaply, of course. You’re paying for the fabric, the refinement and the pleasure of wearing something that feels exceptional without looking like it’s trying to impress anyone.

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Santoni Ensley Leather Derby Shoes

Every man should own at least one pair of proper leather shoes, even if his day-to-day wardrobe is decidedly casual. They make an outfit feel more grown-up, and few things are as useful as a well-made pair of Derbies.

Santoni’s Ensley leather Derby shoes offer a sophisticated take on this menswear staple. The classic lace-up construction makes them more adaptable than traditional formal Oxfords, so they work with suits, tailored separates and smarter casual outfits alike.

Santoni has built its reputation around Italian shoemaking, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and elegant design. Those are exactly the qualities you should be looking for when buying expensive footwear.

They might not be the most exciting purchase on this list, but they’ll likely be among the most useful. And when you’re assessing cost per wear, that’s what really matters.

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Prada Re-Nylon Puffer Jacket

Luxury outerwear doesn’t always have to mean wool, suede or cashmere. Sometimes the smartest investment is a jacket designed for the realities of cold-weather dressing, especially when it still looks this good.

Prada’s Re-Nylon puffer jacket brings the house’s distinctive minimalist aesthetic to a practical winter staple. Made from its signature regenerated nylon, the quilted design features understated branding, zipped pockets and a clean silhouette that avoids looking unnecessarily bulky.

It’s the kind of jacket that pairs well with relaxed trousers, knitwear and leather boots, especially when you want something warmer and more casual than a traditional overcoat.

There’s also something appealing about a designer piece that serves a genuinely practical purpose. You might buy it because it’s Prada, but you’ll find yourself reaching for it because it keeps you warm and works with your everyday clothes.

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Brunello Cucinelli Pleated Cotton Corduroy Straight Pants

Few things elevate an autumn outfit more than a great pair of trousers. While dark denim and wool flannel will always have their place, Brunello Cucinelli makes a compelling case for something a little different.

These beautifully crafted corduroy trousers come in a rich, creamy off-white, offering a refreshing alternative to the darker colours typically associated with autumn dressing. Made in Italy from pure cotton, they feature a relaxed straight-leg silhouette, elegant front pleats and adjustable waist tabs that give them a distinctly tailored feel.

The real appeal lies in their versatility. Pair them with a chocolate-brown suede jacket and fine-gauge knitwear for an effortlessly sophisticated weekend look, or introduce a navy blazer and leather loafers for something smarter. The textured fabric adds depth, while the lighter colour makes even the simplest outfit feel more considered.

They prove that investing in the right trousers can have as much impact on your wardrobe as buying an expensive jacket.

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The Row Ripley Cashmere Polo Sweater

The Row has built its reputation on making clothes that don’t need to shout about their pedigree. It emphasises silhouette, fabric and proportion, resulting in garments that look simple until you pay closer attention.

The Ripley cashmere polo sweater sums up that approach rather nicely. The familiar polo shape makes it more versatile than a traditional chunky jumper, while the cashmere construction adds a welcome dose of luxury to something you can wear all winter.

Its real strength is adaptability. Wear it with wool trousers and loafers for an understated smart-casual look, or with jeans and a suede jacket for something more relaxed. It can also work as a shirt under unstructured tailoring.

Very little here will look dated in a few years, and that timelessness is precisely what makes this sort of designer knitwear appealing.

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Our Legacy Whale Double-breasted Virgin Wool Coat

A great wool coat is one of the few purchases that can transform almost everything else in your wardrobe. Throw one over a simple jumper and trousers, and suddenly even the most ordinary outfit looks considered. It’s precisely the sort of garment where investing in better quality makes sense.

Swedish label Our Legacy has built a cult following for its distinctive approach to everyday menswear, combining classic silhouettes with interesting fabrics and contemporary proportions. Its Whale coat captures that philosophy perfectly. Crafted in Portugal from 100% virgin wool, it features a six-button double-breasted front, structured shoulders and a relaxed, straight silhouette that feels modern without straying too far from tradition.

The rich brown colour is another selling point. It’s softer than black and more interesting than navy, working particularly well with cream knitwear, charcoal trousers and dark denim. The generous cut also makes it ideal for layering over chunky sweaters when temperatures drop.

Unlike more trend-driven outerwear, this coat is one you can build outfits around for years. The timeless design, beautiful fabric and versatile colour make it a genuine investment piece.

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Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Cashmere Scarf

Sometimes the smallest wardrobe upgrades make the biggest difference. A beautiful scarf may not have the impact of a statement coat, but it’s one of the easiest ways to add colour, texture and refinement to your autumn and winter outfits.

Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato cashmere scarf brings the house’s unmistakable design identity to a cold-weather essential. The fine cashmere and the brand’s signature visual language make it feel more special than an ordinary winter accessory.

It’s also refreshingly easy to wear. Throw it over a dark wool coat, add texture to a simple knitwear-and-trousers combination, or let it become the focal point of an otherwise restrained outfit.

Accessories are often a sensible entry point into the world of luxury menswear. You can enjoy the craftsmanship and design without committing to an entirely new wardrobe, and a scarf like this should stay useful for many winters to come.

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Chris is the Founder and Editor of Ape to Gentleman. His interests lie in men's style, male grooming and leading a better lifestyle - through minimalist, basic and clean design.